4 Tips to Get Ready for Fall Forage Season in the Pacific Northwest

As fall sets in across the Pacific Northwest, foragers get excited. Throughout the Cascades and the coastal regions of Oregon and Washington, you can find all kinds of edible plants and fungi ready for foraging.

This can include blue huckleberries, lingonberries, Oregon grapes, and all kinds of mushrooms. A few mushroom varieties that appear during the fall include chanterelle, blue chanterelle, cauliflower, king bolete, and lobster mushrooms.

Whether you’ve foraged before or you’re trying it for the first time this fall, there are a few easy ways to get ready for a successful outing. From packing reliable rain jackets to carrying visual guidebooks, here are a few tips for foraging around the PNW this season.

Prepare for Fall Weather Conditions

Before heading out the door to forage, be sure to check the weather. As fall gets into full swing, the PNW can be wet, windy, and chilly. Be prepared for any conditions with a variety of wet weather gear, like your favorite womens or mens rain jackets, rain hats, and hiking gaiters.

Options like a durable and reliable rain jacket and a full-brimmed rain hat are essential. These two pieces of gear can help keep you dry and make sure the rain stays out of your face. Plus, a good combination of rain gear means you won’t need an umbrella, so you can keep your hands free for easy foraging.

Be Aware of State and Local Rules and Regulations

Both Oregon and Washington have foraging rules and regulations. Many counties, cities, and municipalities also have their own rules. As you plan your foraging expedition this fall, it can pay to check the rules and regulations before you take anything from where you found it.

Some areas may require a foraging permit. Other areas may only allow you to forage a certain amount. Some areas can even be strict about selling or trading anything you forage. This often applies to mushrooms. Brush up on the latest updates before you go, and you’ll be able to enjoy worry-free foraging.

Go with a Guide

A guide can be a lifesaver—literally! When you’re foraging for berries and mushrooms, there are plenty of varieties you don’t want to pick. Foraging with a guide can help you more accurately identify what you find along the way.

Your guide could be an actual person who’s already familiar with foraging around the PNW. If you live in the PNW, you may already know a foraging expert!

Of course, if you don’t know a foraging pro, you can always turn to guidebooks and smartphone apps. There are several books and apps that can help you find and identify berries, mushrooms, and other edible plants. It can also be beneficial to take a physical guidebook with you even if you have an app on your phone if you lose service.

Be Courteous!

If you find a trove of berries or mushrooms, it can be tempting to harvest as many as you can. Remember to be courteous to other foragers who might also explore the area. In other words, leave some behind for others. Take only what you need or can reasonably use.

This may mean you only take a portion of what you find. It varies greatly depending on the area, so use your best judgment. Other best practices include taking care not to damage the plants and leaving the area how you found it.

About Outdoor Research

Get ready for an active fall with Outdoor Research. Since 1981, Outdoor Research has led the way in developing exceptional outdoor apparel and gear for every season. Whether you love to hike, bike, run, or climb, Outdoor Research makes comfortable, versatile gear that can keep up. Explore their selection to discover men’s and womens rain jackets, sun hoodies, hiking gaiters, mountain bike pants, and more for your next adventure. Along with their practical designs, Outdoor Research takes a responsible and socially conscious approach to every product they make by selectively sourcing high-quality materials and minimizing their impact on the planet. Whether it’s using sustainable materials or working with partners who hold themselves to the same high standard, Outdoor Research knows going the extra mile is always worth it.

Get your rain gear for foraging in the Pacific Northwest at https://www.outdoorresearch.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/4gqKuse